International Women’s Day 2026: Supporting Women to Lead in the Water Sector

Authors: Kirsti Mrazek, Regina Souter and Bronwyn Powell

This International Women’s Day, we are taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting women’s leadership. In the water sector, where technical and leadership roles remain male-dominated, building pathways for women to grow, lead and influence change is critical for the future of water security.

At the International WaterCentre (IWC), strengthening leadership capacity is central to our mission. Through our many leadership programs, we work to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence of individuals and organisations working to bring about change to address complex water challenges across Asia and the Pacific.

In 2024 and 2025, women working with Solomon Water and Water PNG completed the Level 1 and 2 Pathway Programs with support from the World Bank. These programs familiarised both women and men participating in the program with the range of leadership skills and tactics that can be used to influence positive change in the water sector. In the Solomon Islands, the women participants developed their knowledge and skills working and supporting each other through a locally formed buddy group. Regular meetings in person, time for reflection on the program and its practical application to their local context, which increased the inclusivity and confidence among the program participants. This support network was critical to the high rates of completion.

Lucy Habu’s leadership journey

One story of leadership transformation is demonstrated by Lucy Habu from Solomon Water, who completed Level 1 of the Pathway Program in 2024 and Level 2 in 2025. Lucy joined Solomon Water in 2018 as a Customer Services Coordinator after working in the fuel industry. What drew her to the water sector was a strong sense of purpose.

“Water is an essential need,” she explains. “Working in the water sector felt like an even deeper and more impactful way of serving people.”

Today, Lucy is Manager Retail and a member of the Solomon Water Executive and Leadership Team, where she leads the organisation’s Customer Services Division. Her leadership journey has been shaped not only by professional experience, but by a growing understanding of what leadership means. “Before leadership training, I honestly believed leadership was only for people at the top — people with titles, qualifications, or many years of experience,” Lucy reflected. “Through the Pathway leadership program, I learned that leadership is for anyone. It’s about influence, passion, and stepping forward to create change, not about your position.”

One of the most significant impacts of the program for Lucy was the confidence she gained. “Leadership development gave me the confidence to step forward and believe that I belong in leadership spaces.” Today, Lucy plays an important role in leading organisational change within Solomon Water, helping teams navigate evolving systems and processes while maintaining a strong focus on customer service.

The importance of supporting women leaders

Lucy’s experience likely resonates with many women and reflects a broader reality across many industries, including the water sector.

Despite the growing recognition and evidence for the importance of gender equity and inclusion, barriers to recruitment, retention, and advancement of women still exist across the sector. Addressing these challenges requires not only policy change but also practical support for women to develop leadership skills, build networks, and navigate complex organisational environments.

Leadership development programs can play a critical role in this process. By strengthening self-awareness, communication skills, and confidence, they enable women to step forward, contribute their perspectives, and lead change within their organisations. Equally as important is the visibility of role models and champions. When women like Lucy share their experiences and leadership journeys, they help inspire others across the sector for what is possible for their own careers.

On this International Women’s Day, IWC is proud to celebrate the women across our programs, research projects, partnerships, alumni, and within our organisation and beyond who are stepping forward to lead. Their leadership demonstrates that when women are supported to grow, connect, and lead, the benefits extend far beyond the individuals.

Lucy and IWC, SIWA and World Bank team members will be presenting a paper, “Strengthening Inclusive Leadership in the Pacific: A case study of Solomon Water and the Pathway Leadership Program” at the upcoming OzWater Conference, 26-28 May 2026 in Brisbane. Join us at this OzWater technical session to learn more.